Automated Transportation System including Vehicle Retention

ABSTRACT

An automated transportation system incorporating a special guideway featuring recessed control slots in the sidewalls on each side of the roadway surface and a vehicle which includes movable appendages designed to interact with the control slots to provide vehicle retention.

BACKGROUND

The invention describes a transportation system containing elements which will allow a vehicle to travel on existing roads while also being capable of traveling on a special trackway under automated control. Through design of the vehicle and trackway, the system will provide physical retention capabilities which will prevent the vehicle from leaving the trackway in the event of an emergency. The components of the system include: (1) a special trackway, (2) a vehicle specifically designed to operate on the trackway, and (3) a control system which will monitor and adjust the position of all vehicles on the trackway.

OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, besides the properties of the transportation system described herein, several other objectives and advantages of the present invention will be:

-   -   provide automatic transportation with minimal driver input     -   provide efficient transportation by allowing vehicles to travel         closely behind each other in a ‘drafting’ configuration     -   provide high speed transportation in a safe environment     -   provide a means wherein vehicles operating on the trackway will         also be capable of operating on existing roads.     -   provide a means of expanding the range of battery powered         vehicles by supplying power directly from the trackway.     -   provide an efficient transportation system which will help curb         greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the demand for fossil         fuels.

The invention provides an advanced form of transportation wherein a user will be transported from one location to another in an individual vehicle under automatic guidance while, in another mode, the user will be able to drive the vehicle on existing roadways in the same manner as a typical automobile, or in a further embodiment, as a fully automated vehicle. The invention will provide a form of mass transportation wherein individual vehicles are included with buses or other mass transit vehicles on a special trackway.

The transportation system herein described includes a trackway featuring slotted sidewalls and a vehicle including extendable and retractable appendages herein referred to as ‘control arms’, designed to interact with the slotted sidewalls of the trackway. The vehicles used in the system are designed to operate under automatic guidance when the control arms are in an extended position and interacting with the trackway, while also being capable of traveling on existing roads under operator or automated control when the control arms are retracted.

The transportation system comprises: a trackway featuring control slots incorporated into vertical sidewalls, a vehicle featuring retractable, semi-independent control arms attached through connective means designed to interact with the control slots in the sidewalls, and a control system which will monitor, adjust and control all of the vehicles traveling on the trackway. The main purpose of the trackway containing the control slots and the vehicles with the interacting control arms is to create a failsafe connection between the trackway and the vehicle wherein in an emergency, the vehicle will be physically retained on the trackway, thereby providing a high degree of safety for the occupants of the vehicle.

Further advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

DESCRIPTION

The invention can best be described as:

-   -   1. A special trackway:         -   including a roadbed surface similar in appearance to an             existing highway, featuring sidewalls located at the outside             edge of the roadbed, positioned generally perpendicular to             the roadbed and having a relatively short top panel parallel             to the roadbed, a position 90′ to the sidewall. In a             preferred embodiment, a return flange extending downward or             parallel to the sidewall will be included. If viewed from             end-on, the trackway would best be described as a roadbed             with vertical sides continuing into a “C” shape. The             opposite side of the trackway would be described as a mirror             image design if viewed from end on, therein having a             reversed “C” shape.     -   2. A special vehicle:         -   capable of traveling on existing roads under operator or             computer control, while also being capable of traveling on             the trackway under systemwide computer control. The vehicle             will include extendable control arms, the ends of which             being designed to be contained within corresponding control             slots in the “C” shaped sidewalls of the trackway.     -   3. A computerized control system designed to monitor and control         all of the vehicles traveling on the trackway.

The invention incorporates computer monitored position sensor elements located on the vehicle, the trackway and/or the control arms which are designed to allow the vehicles to travel on the trackway without the control arms coming in contact with the vertical sidewalls. In the event of an emergency or power failure, the vehicle will be physically retained on the trackway through interaction between the vertical sidewalls and the control arms located on the vehicle. Computer control will optimally position the vehicle on the trackway both laterally as well as longitudinally, therein minimizing or eliminating contact with the sidewalls of the trackway except in emergency situations. In the event the vehicle deviates laterally between the sidewalls, the computerized control system will recognize the deviation and will direct the vehicle's steering system to adjust the vehicle's position. The control arms working in conjunction with the computer control system's corrective action, will keep the vehicle on the prescribed course while minimizing contact between the control arms and the control slots and therein between the vehicle and the trackway.

Position Control

Lateral control of the vehicle while on the trackway could be accomplished through a variety of techniques. The vehicle could follow an electronic path, possibly created by optical or magnetic signals, or by measuring the amount of pressure exerted through sensor elements on the control arms, or through GPS, radar or any other means which would determine the vehicles' position on the trackway. This positional information will be relayed to the vehicle's onboard computer(s) which will adjust the steering of the vehicle to keep it in an optimum lateral position between the two parallel sidewalls located on the outside edge of the trackway. Lateral positioning will be determined through computer interchange between the position sensors located on the vehicle and/or the trackway and the vehicle computer(s). The onboard computer will read the data from the sensors and adjust the steering system of the vehicle, most likely making adjustments several times per second.

Longitudinal positioning will be accomplished through communication between the onboard computer(s) and the systemwide computer(s), an interaction which will process the positional information for all the vehicles on the system and will communicate back to the individual cars, in most likelihood, controlling and assembling the vehicles into a ‘train’ of vehicles traveling close to or even touching each other. This ‘nesting’ technique will allow high traffic density and minimal wind resistance for each vehicle and thereby provide higher efficiency and speed. Vehicle positioning may be created or enhanced through position sensors located on the control arms or through optical, radar, radio or magnetic sensing, satellite positioning, bar code readers or any other technique which would provide accurate position determination without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Vehicle Retention on the Trackway

The physical retention system will comprise:

-   -   A trackway with vertical outside sidewalls featuring control         slots designed to accept the movable control arms located on the         vehicle.     -   A vehicle with movable control arms which extend and retract         from the sides of the vehicle and which are designed to position         themselves within the control slots located in the sidewalls of         the trackway.

As the vehicle proceeds onto an entrance ramp, the movable control arms will automatically extend outwards from the vehicle and position themselves within the control slots on the vertical sidewalls of the trackway. In a preferred embodiment, the control slots will include a ‘return flange’ which represents a portion of the top panel of the sidewall that extends downward toward the roadway surface. The return flange provides an additional physical barrier which will prevent the control arm from raising upwards and leaving the control slot. In a preferred embodiment, the control arms will be ‘active’ in that they will move automatically and independently along several axis in order to compensate for roadway or vehicle variations. This will allow the control arms to ‘float’ within the recessed area with little or no contact with the sidewalls. Through interaction between the position sensors and the onboard computers, accurate lateral positioning will allow the vehicle to stay in a straight and stable position.

It may be advantageous for the recessed area on the vertical sidewalls to be used as a power transmission area. Power transmission could be accomplished by conduction, wherein electrical ‘brushes’ sweep against power rails or through induction wherein power is transmitted without contact. As a safety enhancement, elements for power transmission may be located at the ends of the retractable control arms and within the control slots located on the vertical sidewalls or other surface within the slotted area of the sidewall.

Operation

A person using the system will drive or direct a trackway compliant vehicle similar in appearance to an existing automobile, although in most likelihood, battery powered or hybrid battery powered, onto a ramp similar to a freeway ramp. On the ramp, the vehicle will automatically transition from a driver-operated or automated vehicle to a trackway controlled automated vehicle. The vehicle will automatically extend control arms outwards from the lower side of the vehicle, therein positioning the control arms within the control slots located on the vertical sidewalls of the trackway. Once on the trackway, the vehicle will be able to communicate with a systemwide computer through interaction with an onboard computer system to determine its location, the location of other vehicles traveling on the trackway and the most efficient route to the desired destination.

When the vehicle is on the trackway, the control arms will extend outwards from the vehicle and position themselves within the control slots on the vertical sidewalls of the trackway. In a preferred embodiment, the control arms will have little or no contact with the sidewalls other than electrical conduction elements due to the lateral control provided by the position sensors and the onboard computer interacting with the steering system of the vehicle. In the event of an emergency, wherein automatic control is disconnected or ineffective, the control arms will be capable of holding the vehicle on the trackway, in all likelihood, with the control arms contacting the sides, top side and/or the return flange portion of the control slots located on the vertical sidewalls of the trackway. The top side and return flange portions of the sidewalls create a physical barrier which will prevent the control arms from traveling out of the control slots and therein preventing the vehicle from leaving the trackway. This retention method will provide a high level of safety while requiring minimal physical contact under normal operating conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the ‘active’ control arms will provide additional braking action by automatically extending against the sidewalls to aid in stopping the vehicle in an emergency. When not on the trackway, the control arms will automatically retract into the vehicle and the vehicle will be capable of being driven in the same manner as an existing car, with, in all likelihood, the vehicle being battery or hybrid powered and automatically controlled.

Traffic Compression

Both the ‘trackway’ and ‘vehicle’ will include position sensor elements designed to control the lateral as well as longitudinal positioning of the vehicle while on the trackway. Interaction between the control elements and the vehicle's steering, braking, and propulsion systems will position the vehicle laterally as well as longitudinally within the trackway to minimize contact between the control arms and the sidewalls. This interaction between the vehicle and the trackway will allow the vehicles to travel in close proximity to each other, allowing the vehicles to be assembled into a ‘train’ of cars, ‘drafting’ the preceding vehicle and thereby allowing the vehicles to travel on the system with minimal wind resistance. The ability of the vehicles to draft each other will result in a measurable increase in speed, energy efficiency and traffic volume. Coordination between the position sensors, the onboard and systemwide computer systems and the vehicle's steering, braking, and propulsion control systems will interact with each other to accurately position the vehicle laterally as well as longitudinally on the trackway.

A vehicle traveling on the trackway will be ‘electronically positioned’, through the interaction of the position sensors in coordination with the vehicle's control systems, and ‘physically retained’, through the shape and design of the trackway sidewalls and the interactive control arm components featured on the vehicle. The vehicle will be retained on the trackway due to: (a) interaction between the computerized components which will accurately position the vehicle on the trackway and (b) the control arms location within the control slots in the sidewalls of the trackway. Lateral positioning will allow the control arms to ‘float’ within the control slots in the sidewalls, an action which will reduce contact between the control arms located on the vehicle and the sidewalls of the trackway.

The control arms, when extended from the vehicle, will be physically ‘trapped’ within the ‘ C’ shaped control slots in the sidewalls of the trackway, an action that prevents the control arms from escaping and thereby providing physical retention of the vehicle on the trackway. While on the trackway, the vehicle will be under computer control which could best be described as an interactive system between a main or systemwide computer or computers and an onboard computer or computers located on the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, electronic information will be exchanged between ‘computers’ through a transmission and reception means designed into the trackway and the vehicle. Through the information transmission and reception means, information concerning location of the vehicle in relation to other vehicles on the trackway, routing, vehicle spacing, vehicle speed and other data will be transferred between the main systemwide computer(s) and the computer(s) incorporated in each vehicle on the trackway. This action will allow ‘systemwide’ computer control of all vehicles operating on the trackway and will allow the vehicles to travel efficiently at high speed. In addition, the ability of computers to control and compress the traffic will allow a ‘drafting’ effect with each vehicle following closely behind the vehicle in front of it, thereby creating an optimal environment in which each vehicle in the ‘train’ of vehicles will travel.

The main functions of the control arms are as a physical safety device to retain the vehicle on the trackway and as part of the control system of the vehicle. As such, any deviation the vehicle makes from a predetermined position will be recognized through the movement of the control arms interacting with the control slots located in the sidewalls of the trackway. Any aberration detected by the control system will be corrected by alignment of the vehicle's wheels through interaction of the control system and the vehicle's steering mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle control system will be capable of controlling the position, speed and braking of the vehicle in relation to other vehicles on the trackway and will automatically direct the vehicle to the destination selected by the operator. In a preferred embodiment, the control arms will be located at the most optimum location on the vehicle to enhance safety.

Additional technologies that can be readily applied to the system include but are not limited to: electric steering systems, four wheel steering systems, ABS braking systems, traction control and adaptive cruise control. In the event that the position sensors fail, power is interrupted, or other unforeseen event occurs, the vehicle will be physically retained on the trackway through the design and interaction of the control arms on the vehicle and the control slots located in the sidewalls of the trackway.

In a preferred but not limiting embodiment, the system will feature components which will allow transmission of electric power from the trackway to the vehicle.

The transmission of electric power while the vehicle is operating on the trackway will facilitate: operation of the vehicle motor(s), operation of the vehicle's auxiliary equipment, operation of control components, and recharging of the vehicle battery(s), an action which will assist in the operation of the vehicle while traveling under battery power on existing roads. The vehicles could also be powered by a ‘linear induction motor’ means wherein components of the trackway act as one part of the motor and components of the vehicle act as the other part of the motor without deviating from the scope of the invention. Transmission of electric power can be facilitated through electrical induction, electrical conduction or other means. One technique would involve transmission of energy from the trackway to the vehicle or the control arms through non-contact electrical inductive elements. Another technique would involve conduction through contacts located on the vehicle and/or the control arms and contacts located in the trackway or the control slots. In a further preferred embodiment, the movable control arms will feature conductive or inductive elements on the uppermost end of the control arms that are designed to interact with corresponding conductive or inductive elements located on the underside of the top panel of the sidewall. In an additional preferred embodiment, a return flange on the sidewall will extend back downward toward the roadway, thereby positioning the power elements in a protected and isolated location. Other power systems including fuel powered, hybrid electric power or other vehicle propulsion means could be utilized without deviating from the scope of the invention.

In a further embodiment, the aerodynamic shape of control arms and the vehicle will assist in providing a degree of ‘lift’ to help reduce downward air pressure on the vehicle when traveling on the roadway at high speed. This downward pressure is normally advantageous as a means of holding a vehicle down when traveling at high speed on a non-controlled roadway, thereby reducing the chance of the vehicle becoming airborne. A reduction in downforce will provide a degree of lift and thereby reduce drag on the vehicle. This action will be further enhanced by the design of the trackway wherein air will be compressed in the channel created by the trackway surface, the sidewalls of the trackway and the vehicle frontal design. From a physics perspective, downforce=aerodynamic drag ie: the faster a vehicle travels, the harder the air pushes the vehicle down/squared. As is the case with race boats, which gain speed as they lift out of the water or ‘hydroplane’, vehicles on the system will ‘aeroplane’ to minimize contact with the roadway surface.

Additional aerodynamic enhancements will include: fairings on the vehicles which are controlled by a central computer and which are adjustable in angle and incidence across the entire train of vehicles. As such, the computer will adjust the fairings on individual vehicles to maximize the efficiency of the assembly of vehicles as a whole.

In another embodiment, a plazma flow control technique could be included in the design of the vehicle and the control arms to minimize air flow over the skin of the vehicle. Plazma flow techniques could be well suited to the present invention in that plazma flow systems work only with high voltage, which could be provided, and work best within enclosed spaces, which is inherent in the system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cut away end-on view of a trackway with a compatible vehicle including control arms shown in an extended position and interacting with the control slots in the sidewalls of the trackway.

FIG. 2 is a ¾ view of a vehicle featuring movable control arms shown in an extended position.

FIG. 3 is a ¾ view of a vehicle featuring movable control arms shown in a retracted position.

The control arms will be hingedly connected and extendable from the vehicle with movement moderately independent from the movements of the vehicle. In this preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the control arms will feature a terminus end portion designed to slide within the control slot in the sidewall of the trackway. The end portion of the control arms is designed to interact with the control slot and could include an active restraint mechanism, a design which would enlarge or change the shape of the end of the control arms once in place. The active system will include automatic controls which will modify the shape of the end portion of the control arms, thereby providing additional physical restraint and possible energy transfer elements. A non-adjustable restraint design wherein the terminus end of the control arm is ‘fixed’ or non-changing could also be incorporated.

Entering the Trackway

The operator of the vehicle will have the ability to direct the vehicle on existing urban and suburban streets in the manner of a typical driver controlled or automated vehicle. Using the trackway system, the operator will drive or direct the vehicle to a special entrance ramp. In a preferred but not limiting embodiment, the approach to this ramp will include a ‘transition zone’ wherein the vehicle will pass over an electronic monitoring and check-in area. The computer(s) will check the various components of the vehicle and report through a transmission means to a main systemwide computer. Condition and age of the vehicle components as well as vehicle identification information will be checked and recorded. If all is in order, the vehicle will automatically prepare itself to enter the trackway. Preparation will involve the extension of the control arms from the vehicle and interaction of the arms with the control slots in the sidewalls of the trackway. If for any reason the vehicle is not accepted by the system, an automatic turnout will be provided or the vehicle will be removed from the trackway at the next exit ramp. Once on the system, the operator will select a destination and relay it to the vehicle computer. This could be accomplished manually, through voice control or through other interactive means.

Travel on the System

Computer interaction will determine where the vehicle will be placed in relation to other traffic already operating on the system, The main systemwide computer will then compress the traffic by assembling a car ‘train’, with one vehicle traveling closely behind the vehicle in front of it. This action will facilitate a ‘drafting’ effect, creating an optimal environment for each vehicle traveling in the car train, an action which will allow high speed travel efficiency. At all times, the systemwide computer will know precisely where each vehicle is located on the system and its destination, and will adjust the traffic accordingly. The trains could be made up of any combination of personal vehicles and/or mass transit ‘bus’ type vehicles without deviating from the scope of the invention. In a manner, the trackway and vehicle system will operate as a single computerized transportation system.

Exiting the System

Exiting the system will be automatically assisted in the same manner as entrance. The main systemwide computer will determine which vehicles are exiting at each ramp and will direct the vehicles to exit via the ramp. As the vehicle is exiting the trackway, the computers will alert the operator and the control arms will reposition into the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, in the event of a driver emergency or where there is some type of mechanical failure with the vehicle, an area will be provided where the vehicle will be automatically directed. A signal will then be sent to a monitoring station requesting assistance. Once off the system, the operator will be able to operate the vehicle as a typical personal vehicle, or the vehicle could be automatically piloted without deviating from the scope of the invention. 

1) A transportation system incorporating vehicular retention comprising: a guideway including a roadway surface with vertical sidewalls located at both terminal edges of the roadway surface, the sidewalls extending upward, perpendicular to the roadway surface and including top panels positioned perpendicular to the sidewall and extending inwards from a top edge of the sidewalls and over the roadway surface, therein creating control slots on each side of the roadway surface if viewed from end on, and, a vehicle including extendable control arms hingedly connected to a lower portion of both sides of the vehicle, the control arms being capable of extending and retracting from the vehicle along a horizontal plane generally parallel to the roadway surface and wherein terminal ends of the control arms, when extended, are positioned within the control slots in the sidewalls, the control arms being capable of retracting into the vehicle when traveling on existing roads under operator or automatic control. 2) The transportation system of claim 1 including electrical transmission elements located at the terminal ends of the control arms, the electrical transmission elements capable of interacting with corresponding electrical transmission elements located on an inside surface of the sidewalls or top panels. 3) The transportation system of claim 2 wherein end portions located at the terminal ends of the control arms are movable from a position parallel and inline with top surfaces of the control arms to a position generally perpendicular to the top surfaces of the control arms. 4) The transportation system of claim 1 wherein return flanges are included at an inside terminal edge of the top panels, positioned perpendicular to the top panels and extending downward toward the roadway surface. 5) The transportation system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes adjustable aerodynamic fairings to compress air under the vehicle as it travels thereby providing a degree of lift to the vehicle. 6) A transportation system incorporating vehicular retention comprising: a guideway including a roadway surface with a vertical sidewall located at a terminal edge of the roadway surface, the sidewall extending upward, perpendicular to the roadway surface and including a top panel positioned perpendicular to the sidewall and extending inwards from a top edge of the sidewall over the roadway surface and including a return flange at an inside terminal edge of the top panel, positioned perpendicular to the top panel and extending downward toward the roadway surface, therein creating a control slot on a side of the roadway surface if viewed from end on, and, a vehicle including an extendable control arm hingedly connected to a lower portion of the vehicle, the control arm being capable of extending and retracting from the vehicle along a horizontal plane generally parallel to the roadway surface and wherein a terminal end of the control arm, when extended, is positioned within the control slot in the sidewall, the control arm being capable of retracting into the vehicle when traveling on existing roads under operator or automatic control. 